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The Ultimate Maid of Honour Guide for New Zealand Weddings

Being chosen as a maid of honour is an honour and a big responsibility. From supporting the bride in the months leading up to her wedding, to managing logistics on the day, your role can make a huge difference. This guide covers everything a maid of honour in New Zealand needs to know, with practical advice, NZ-specific ideas, and tips to make the bride’s experience unforgettable....

Average Wedding Cost NZ 2026: Complete Guide to Planning Your Wedding

Planning a wedding in New Zealand is a joyful journey, but it can also be daunting when you see how quickly the numbers add up. Over the past decade, weddings here have become more personalised, more elaborate, and inevitably more expensive. By 2026, the average cost of a New Zealand wedding is projected to reach around NZ$87,600, a steep climb from NZ$58,800 in 2023.From the venue to catering, photography to entertainment, couples are investing more in creating meaningful, one-of-a-kind experie...

How to Propose in a Way She’ll Never Forget

​In New Zealand, the art of the proposal blends heartfelt intention with unique local flair: a scenic walk along our rugged coastline, a vineyard sunrise in the Waikato, or an intimate setting amid West Auckland’s leafy hills. At Settlers Country Manor, tucked within seven acres of heritage gardens in Kumeū, just 30 minutes from Auckland’s city centre, we know that a memorable proposal sets the tone for the journey ahead.Whether you are planning to ask the question within the timeless bea...

5 Tips to Find the Perfect Wedding Venue in New Zealand

​Choosing the perfect wedding venue is one of the most important decisions in planning your big day. In New Zealand, couples are blessed with an extraordinary range of options, from the rolling vineyards of Hawke’s Bay to the dramatic coastlines of the South Island, and from urban elegance in Auckland to tranquil countryside estates. Each setting offers a unique backdrop, yet finding a venue that aligns with your personal story and vision can feel overwhelming....

Creative Guestbook & Gift Table Ideas for Your Auckland Wedding Day

Planning your wedding involves countless decisions, big and small. While selecting the perfect wedding venue in Auckland, dress, and menu often take center stage, thoughtful touches like your guestbook and gift table deserve special attention, too. These elements create meaningful touchpoints for guests and capture memories you'll treasure long after your garden wedding celebration.We've witnessed countless creative interpretations of these spaces at Settlers Country Manor, one of Auckland's pre...

A Complete Guide to Planning Your Perfect Winter Wedding

In New Zealand, winter weddings possess a rare and captivating charm. The crisp, invigorating air, the soft glow of shorter days, and the season’s tranquil landscapes create a naturally intimate and romantic atmosphere that few other times of year can offer. There is a quiet magic in exchanging vows while nature embraces a softer palette, making winter the perfect season for couples seeking a celebration that feels both personal and extraordinary....

How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Wedding Day

Your wedding photographs are far more than images. They are a visual story of your love, your celebration, and the fleeting moments that make your wedding day unforgettable. In New Zealand, couples are blessed with an extraordinary variety of landscapes and venues, from lush vineyards and rugged coastlines to vibrant city rooftops and tranquil countryside estates.Yet, even the most skilled wedding photographer cannot achieve their best work without the right setting. Your venue is the canvas, ...

8 Wedding Entertainment Ideas Your Guests Will Never Forget

Weddings in New Zealand are as much about shared experience as they are about ceremony. From Auckland’s golden coastal sunsets to the tranquil countryside of Kumeū, modern couples are reimagining what a wedding reception can be. No longer confined to dinner and dancing, today’s celebrations are immersive, story-driven experiences, moments designed to surprise, delight, and linger in memory long after the final song.Here are 8 entertainment ideas to make your reception not just beautiful, bu...

Reasons why Settler Country Manor is the perfect Wedding Venue in Auckland

Are you looking for the perfect wedding venue in Auckland to host your special day? Look no further than Settler Country Manor! As one of the premier wedding venues in New Zealand, we understand how important it is to ensure that your big day lives up to all of your expectations.​That's why we provide a truly stunning setting and warm and friendly staff who will ensure everything runs smoothly on your big day. From beautifully manicured lawns with lush gardens and sparkling ponds to ...

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wedding Drinks

Are you planning your big day and looking for the perfect drinks to serve? Choosing the right wedding drinks is an essential part of any special celebration. Whether you’re having a big, traditional wedding or an intimate gathering with close family and friends, selecting the perfect drinks for your wedding will set the tone for the entire event. From champagne toasts to signature cocktails, there are many options for finding beverages that will make everyone feel festive and in good spirits.&...